XL Autovent - Automatic Greenhouse Window Opener - Temperature Sensitive Solar Vent Opener

I built a custom greenhouse with a wood frame, and needed a way to automatically open a window for ventilation. I bought the $20 one from Harbor Freight, but it didn't appear to ever work, so I returned it. Decided to pay up for this one. So far, it works perfectly and reliably for about a week now. Installation was easy. I made an adjustment this morning so the closure is now flush. I love having a greenhouse that doesn't need constant monitoring. It's a bit expensive, but all the good ones are. So, until Wal-Mart starts selling these, I will have to live with the price. But, it was worth it to me, to have automatic ventilation.I also like that the hardware never extends more than an inch or two into the greenhouse, which will allow me to build a screen frame that will keep rodents out.

This is the first time I have ever given an Amazon purchase one star. And it’s too bad, really. It’s a nice unit, and installed quite well into my greenhouse. That was in April. But about three weeks ago (late June), the contents of the piston leaked out and the unit stopped opening. I would have been ok up to that point, as I bought it, so I was willing to fix it. However, the one star rating is because of two things:1) even though the Amazon page states “2 year manufacturer warranty”, the company that shipped it said they didn’t manufacture it and it wasn’t their problem. And buying a piston and having it shipped from the UK would have been far more than the original cost, even if I could have.2) Replacement pistons are NOT available on Amazon or anywhere else! I would have bought one (prob 2 or 3) if I could have. All the replacements you can find do not have the same thread profile as these, so they won’t work.So, I am forced to take apart the vent I built and find another style of autovent that will fit... and that bothers me.My recommendation is that others learn from me, and don’t purchase this vent, or the “Palram” vent that looks like this. Buy one based partially on the piston type, so you can replace the piston if (when) it fails.

I have had this installed for 3 yrs. Each year its performance weakens. It is not like it's lifting open a heavy window. I am sorry I didn't get the Baylis Mk7, heavier duty openers I have on the other greenhouse windows. They have worked for years without issue. This one however, is a flimsy toy and a waste of money.

I build a cold frame using some 2x's and an old window, but needed something to handle venting it as I work full time. This thing has been fantastic, allowing me to easily and without any effort acclimatize my plants as I transition them outside. Once I get the real tender plants out I'll be removing the window and the venter to grow lettuce until things get chilly enough again to need it. Highly recommend, great quality!

The autovent opened our top hung redwood framed greenhouse polycarbonate window (weighs about 2 lbs.) 4 times before the cylinder gave out. Would prefer to return the defective product, but don't have the original box and seems like it would be a hassle to return to an overseas company. Would probably cost more that the product to return.

Most of the openers that I saw on amazon had the opening cylinder protruding from the back of the opener, which I felt might get in the way. This opener cost twice what others cost, but the cylinder did not protrude from the end. I live in a fairly mild climate which usually drops to the 30's or 40's at night, and rises to the 50's or 60's during the day in winter. Under these conditions, the opener opens during sunny days, and closes at night which is what I wanted it to do. I cant rate its durability yet, since I have had it for about one month.

The piston broke almost immediately. I didn't even get this installed fully before it broke beyond repair.

these work great and very easy to install, also very quick delivery

Looked at a few options before settling on this one.Wanted an opener for my small palram lean to green house, the important attribute was the piton being incorporated into the scissor sections and not protruding as with other brands as this would foul on the limited room and clearance.I had it fitted with the easy clamping system in 10 minutes, it is pretty easy but also a bit fiddly. If you’re a handy diyer or played with mecano as a kid you’ll find it simple enough.I Chilled the piston as per instructions, fitted it and adjusted things and then watched in amazement as it slowly opened the window as and when the sun warmed things up a bit. I checked at end of day and it’s closed down again.Time will tell but so far pleased with it, might add some pictures in time. Hoping the plants will get optimal warming but not get cooked compared to me manually guessing a good setting for the window and door as I remember to do it.Chose this one for the neat and clever design, it’s a known make so should be good for spares in the future, plus it’s made in Britain, also a #1 best seller.

Opens vent fully at warm temperatures in the sun

Excellent. Il faut BIEN suivre les instructions. L'ouverture est facile à mettre en place et fonctionne à merveille.

Sehr stabil und zuverlässig.Es ist in einem kleinen Gewächshaus ein großer Vorteil, dass der Zylinder nicht hervorsteht, wie bei günstigeren Hebern.Hebt problemlos mein schweres Dachfenster aus druckimprägniertem Holz im Selbstbaugewächshaus (siehe Foto).Ich werde noch eines bestellen, um die Lüftungsfläche zu vergrößern.Update nach 4 Jahren:Funktioniert noch immer perfekt.Der Zylinder wird im Winter bei mir nicht ausgebaut.

Works brilliantly. Why I have spent years opening and closing roof vents all summer is a mystery.Recommended.